Tuning device for pluggable optical transceivers

ABSTRACT

A tuning device for a pluggable XFP and SFP+ and DWDM transceiver devices. Also provided are applications for CWDM XFP, and SFP+ and future form factors as well as DWDM and CWDM SFP. This tuning device is for use with tunable DWDM and CWDM transceivers, and provides the ability to lock the tune of the transceiver to prevent a host device from automatically retuning the transceiver.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage application of PCT applicationserial number PCT/US2013/035423 filed on Apr. 5, 2013, and incorporatedherein by reference, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 61/620,706, filed on Apr. 5, 2012, incorporatedherein by reference and which also claims the benefit of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 61/664,884, filed on Jun. 27, 2012, andincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), and Coarse WavelengthDivision Multiplexing (CWDM) are techniques for increasing the bandwidthof optical network communications. CWDM allows for eighteen differentdata signals to be transmitted simultaneously over a pair of fibers.DWDM allows many (e.g., dozens) of different data signals to betransmitted simultaneously over a pair of fibers. To keep the signalsdistinct, CWDM/DWDM manipulates wavelengths of light to keep each signalwithin its own narrow band. Depending upon the application, CWDM/DWDM isa generally more cost-effective alternative to Time DivisionMultiplexing (TDM).

CWDM and DWDM Pluggable Transceivers are typically provided atrelatively higher cost, and longer lead time product. This is due to thenature of the product itself: typical CWDM hot-swappable, pluggabletransceivers are offered in a total of 18 different standardizedchannels used for various applications. Similarly, ‘fixed channel’ DWDMhot-swappable, pluggable transceivers are offered in no less than 40different channels (e.g., as specified by the 100 GHz channel spacingstandardized by the ITU), and different organizations and differentswitch and router manufacturers have a variety of needs for groups ofthese channels. Because of the continued need for higher bandwidthconnectivity for the generalized ‘service provider’ market, coupled witha general scarcity of fiber availability (or the need for conservationof fiber plant due to new mandates by the construction arms of theseproviders), the market finds itself in a position where multiplexingsolutions (CWDM and DWDM) are an attractive methodology for maximizingthe fiber infrastructure with minimal operational impact, requiring onlyincremental capital expenditure.

The situation—as it stands today—is summarized as follows: different endusers have different channel requirements, planning schema, and rolloutprocedures that do not synchronize with the typical lead times for thesepluggable optics. That lead time is typically 8 to 12 weeks, if notlonger. This lead time can often push out revenue for the end user(service provider) or cause loss of contractual business due toinability to bring up services in a timely—or more competitive—manner.

Tunable transceivers have existed in systems for some time. However,they were proprietary, card- or blade-based solutions that were NOThot-swappable or hot-pluggable, were not industry standard (each vendorhad their own mechanism for tuning of the channel via their ownsoftware) and were not cost effective.

The advent of the pluggable version of a tunable DWDM transceiver, inthe standard XFP form factor, meant that the proprietary aspects of theblade-based solutions were removed. The benefits of an MSA-compliantpluggable optical transceiver would mean that electrical, optical, andmechanical specifications would be standardized, and that anymanufacturers of switches or routers that utilize these form factors fortheir 10 GBase (10 Gigabit Ethernet), 10G Fibre Channel, or SONET OC-192ports would now have access to a tunable solution.

However, these platforms would need modified operating system softwarewhich would have the capacity to access the EEPROM of the XFPtransceiver via the I2C communication bus and set the channel orwavelength (these terms are used interchangeably, though they are notsynonymous in the most literal sense). The platforms that have thiscapability are typically higher-end, higher density core or accessdevices, and therefore the ‘edge’ or ‘customer premise’ level-devicesare still left without a solution.

SUMMARY

Provided are example embodiments of the device, including, but notlimited to, a tuning device or appliance for a pluggable XFP and SFP+,when available, DWDM transceiver device. This disclosure also considersapplication for CWDM XFP, and SFP+ and future form factors as well asDWDM and CWDM SFP, when applicable. This tuning device is for use withtunable Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM), and for tunableCWDM transceivers.

Provided is an appliance that can be used to set and lock the ITUchannel of a tunable DWDM and CWDM optical transceiver (currently SFP+or XFP form factors) without the use of a ROADM (Reconfigurable OpticalAdd Drop Multiplexer), switches, routers, or other optical transportdevice. The example appliance will be a standalone device that isbattery powered (e.g., 3.3v) and will also include a wall power adapter.A computer connection is not necessarily required for tuning atransceiver with this appliance; however, an interface, such as a USBconnection, will be available for firmware upgrades as well as anyfuture software that will enable tuning via a PC connection.

For simplicity, connecting the appliance to a PC is not required fortuning the transceiver. The device will include an LCD screen with inputbuttons that will allow the user to select and lock, “tune,” the ITUchannel once the transceiver has been inserted into the appliance. TheLCD will also report out the existing status of the transceiver as wellas the current channel selected. The appliance will also enable retuningof a previously tuned optic.

The product is designed to “tune” or channel/wavelength select a tunableDWDM or CWDM optical transceiver without using a switch, router orsimilar equipment that is a part of a network. Tunable optics aredesigned for use in networks where the switch or router software enablesthe network operator to remotely change the ITU channel of the tunableXFP or SFP+(or additional form factors when available) integrated intothe switch or router. The product concept is to use the tunable optic asa replacement for a fixed optic in situations where availability, eitherdue to long lead times or lack of inventory for a particular DWDM (orCWDM) wavelength, means a delay in the turn up of a new circuit thatrequires the “new” channel/wavelength selected. The desire is to providethe tunable XFPs and SFP+ (and other future available transceivers) formfactors when they are generally available along with this appliance thatwill allow customers to turn up channels on their networks instantly.Tunable DWDM optics are envisioned to serve as spare units versus acustomer having to spare every fixed wavelength channel (40 suchchannels in the C-band alone). (tunable CWDM optics are envisioned toperform the same potential function as spare units versus having tospare each of the eighteen different CWDM channels). Fixed wavelengthoptics are lower cost optical transceivers, and are traditionallydeployed in optical networks that require little channel change oraddition.

Provided are a plurality of example embodiments, including, but notlimited to, an apparatus for tuning a pluggable transceiver devicecomprising: a power supply; a controller; a user interface connected tothe controller configured to accept user inputs; a display connected tothe controller configured to display tuning information to the user; anda transceiver interface configured to receive the transceiver device.The controller is configured to tune the optical transceiver devicereceived by the interface according to the user inputs, such that thetransceiver uses the tune when removed from the apparatus and insertedinto a separate host device for using the optical transceiver device.

Also provided is an apparatus for tuning a pluggable transceiver devicecomprising: a power supply; a controller; a user interface connected tothe controller configured to accept user inputs; a display connected tothe controller configured to display tuning information to the user; anda transceiver interface configured to receive the transceiver device.The controller is configured to tune the optical transceiver devicereceived by the interface according to the user inputs, such that thetransceiver uses the tune when removed from the apparatus and insertedinto a separate host device for using the optical transceiver device andsuch that the transceiver retains the tune when inserted into the hostdevice by locking the transceiver to prevent the host from retuning thetransceiver.

Further provided is an apparatus for tuning a pluggable transceiverdevice comprising: a power supply; a controller; a user interfaceconnected to the controller configured to a display connected to thecontroller configured to display tuning information to the user; and atransceiver interface configured to receive the transceiver device. Thecontroller is configured to tune the optical transceiver device receivedby the interface according to the user inputs, such that the transceiveruses the tune when removed from the apparatus and inserted into aseparate host device for using the optical transceiver device and suchthat the transceiver retains the tune when inserted into the host deviceby locking the transceiver to prevent the host from retuning thetransceiver. The apparatus does not operate as a host device for usingthe optical transceiver, and the apparatus does not communicate with anyexternal device when tuning the optical transceiver.

Also provided is any of the above apparatuses where the transceiverdevice is a DWDM optical transceiver or a CWDM optical transceiver.

Further provided is a method of tuning a pluggable transceiver deviceusing any of the apparatuses described above, the method comprising thesteps of:

-   -   inserting the transceiver device into the apparatus using the        transceiver interface;    -   accepting user inputs to the user interface for tuning the        transceiver device;    -   displaying information about the tuning on the display;    -   tuning the transceiver device according to the user inputs        resulting in a tuned transceiver device;    -   removing the tuned transceiver device from the apparatus;    -   inserting the tuned transceiver in a host device; and    -   operating the host device using the tuned transceiver.

Also provided is method for tuning a pluggable transceiver device usinga tuning apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   inserting the transceiver device into the tuning apparatus;    -   accepting user inputs to the tuning apparatus for tuning the        transceiver device;    -   tuning the transceiver device according to the user inputs        resulting in a tuned transceiver device;    -   removing the tuned transceiver device from the apparatus;    -   inserting the tuned transceiver into a host device; and    -   operating the host device using the tuned transceiver.

Further provided is method for tuning a pluggable transceiver deviceusing a tuning apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   inserting the transceiver device into the tuning apparatus;    -   accepting user inputs to the tuning apparatus for tuning the        transceiver device;    -   tuning the transceiver device according to the user inputs        resulting in a tuned transceiver device without the tuning        apparatus communicating with any external devices;    -   locking the transceiver to prevent a device using the tuned        transceiver from retuning the transceiver;    -   removing the tuned transceiver device from the apparatus.

Also provided are additional example embodiments, some, but not all ofwhich, are described hereinbelow in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the examples described herein will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure relatesupon reading the following description, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows example devices that the XFP pluggable DWDM transceiverdevice can be used to tune;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the components of an example tuner device(appliance) for tuning transceiver devices;

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of example power components of the exampletuner device;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing the example tuning device for tuningtransceiver devices shown installed in the example tuning device;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing an example ‘tuned’ DWDM XFPtransceiver that was tuned as described herein, deployed by the end-userinto a commercially available user device (the “host”);

FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of a printed circuit board (PCB) ofan example tuner device; and

FIG. 5 shows an example tunable XFP Flowchart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Provided is an example tuning device appliance for tuning a pluggableXFP DWDM transceiver device. The technology Category of the discloseddevice is Optical Networking.

The new device is a transceiver tuning box (appliance) for use withtunable Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) transceivers. Anappliance that can be used to set and lock the ITU channel of a tunableDWDM (or CWDM) optical transceiver (currently SFP+ or XFP form factorswith others supported as they become available) without the use of aROADM, switches, routers, or other optical transport devices. Thisappliance can be a standalone device that includes a wall power adapterwith an optional external battery pack (e.g., 3.3v) and even a vehiclepower adapter. Computer connection is not required for tuning a DWDMtransceiver with this appliance; however, an interface, such as a USBconnection, will be available for firmware upgrades as well as anyfuture software that will enable tuning via a PC connection.

For simplicity, connecting the appliance to a PC is not required fortuning. The appliance box will include an LCD screen with input buttons(e.g., push buttons or a touch screen) that will allow the user toselect and lock the ITU channel once the transceiver has been insertedinto the appliance. The LCD will also report out the existing status ofthe transceiver as well as the current channel selected. The appliancewill also enable retuning of a previously tuned optic.

Customer Benefit: Due to the long lead time of fixed channel tunableDWDM transceivers (industry average of 8 to 10 weeks), this concept willenable customers to turn up network links that require specific DWDMchannel transceivers within days, as opposed to weeks, by enabling theability to tune and lock the channel for “blank” transceivers. Theywould then, once the fixed channel optics are available, be able toreplace the tuned optics with the fixed channel transceivers and reusethe previously tuned optics for future projects. Similar with respect toCWDM transceiver.

The example optical product described herein is a tuning device fortuning an XFP pluggable DWDM transceiver device, which would be able tobe tuned to a desired wavelength and LOCKED at that channel, even withremoval of power. This tuning would typically be performed in-house byproduction technicians, or in the field by the staging engineers ortechnicians at the service provider. The mechanism for tuning would beaccomplished via the tuning appliance, which would allow for an operatorto set (via an easy to use push-button interface) the channel and tolock and verify that the channel is set.

One problem that was first to be addressed in the development of thistuning device is that the optic device only retains the channel it is‘tuned’ to when power is supplied to the device via the port itoccupies. This problem would previously limit the usage of the XFPpluggable DWDM transceiver device to those platforms which have tuningsoftware available. Other “ends” of the link must utilize a similarplatform, or deploy fixed channel optics, which, as stated earlier, havethe associated lead times which limit the flexibility and reactivity ofthe end user (the service provider).

Some of the example benefits to providing this unique tuning device arelisted below:

-   -   1. Reduced sparing: Instead of a possibility of 40 unique        channels being deployed and spares (typically 1 unit per        wavelength) held ‘on the shelf’, a single unit could be spared        and tuned as needed in the case of a field replacement.    -   2. Reduced or eliminated lead-time: As the limiting factor        (laser availability for specific DWDM wavelengths) is now        removed, the end user can either rely on the vendor to have an        on-hand stock of ‘tunable’ optics which could be tuned and        shipped the same day as a request is made, or the end user could        hold stock of ‘untuned’ transceivers and have a technician        utilize a purchased tuning appliance (as detailed) to perform        the tuning as needed.    -   3. Increased Redeployment Capability: As circuits are modified        or as equipment is redeployed/repurposed in a network, there are        often differing channel plans utilized by the planning        engineers. As a result, the channels which may be available in        fixed channel transceivers could be useless if equipment is        moved to other areas of the network. This would allow for        retuning in the field of the devices, allowing them to be        further utilized, eliminating the need for additional parts to        be ordered.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of various applications of the already tuned(using the process defined below) DWDM XFP Transceiver device 10installed the host 1. The ‘tuned’ device can be used in any ‘platform’(switch, router, etc.) that has ports for XFPs and adheres to industrystandards. The tuned DWDM XFP Transceiver can connect to any of thelisted devices directly, or in series (e.g., Active DWDMMultiplexer/Demultiplexer which is then connected to a DWDMTransponder). These devices include: Fixed Channel DWDM XFP Hosted inSwitch/Router/network device 11; Active DWDM Transponder Standalone orSystem-based 12; Active DWDM Muxponder Standalone or System-based 13;Passive DWDM Multiplexer/Demultiplexer Standalone or System-based 14;Active DWDM Multiplexer/Demulitplexer Standalone or System-based 15;and/or Active DWDM ROADM (reconfigurable add-drop multiplexer)Standalone or System-based 16.

The ‘programming device’ appliance described herein, which tunes theDWDM XFP Transceiver device, in contrast, has no need for connections tothe outside world—it's a stand-alone tool for tuning the DWDM XFPTransceiver. The ‘tuned’ XFP then can connect to all sort of devices ina network, but the first, direct connections would be it being pluggedinto an XFP port (it's the male, the port is the female of thisconnection). The tuned DWDM XFP Transceiver can connect to any of thedevices shown in FIG. 1 directly, or in series (e.g., Active DWDMMultiplexer/Demultiplexer which is then connected to a DWDMTransponder).

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of the primary components of an exampletuner device appliance 100 for tuning the DWDM XFP Transceiver deviceand/or other SFPs. This appliance 100 includes a power supply 101, acontroller 104, and LCD display 102, input TACT switches 103, and adaughter card interface 110 that can include an optical XFP interface111 and/or an optical SFP interface 112.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the power components 101 of the exampletuner device.

FIG. 3A shows an example DWDM XFP Transceiver device 10′ and an exampleSFP tuner device 20 installed in the example transceiver tuningappliance/Device 100 for tuning the DWDM XFP Transceiver device 10′(such as to achieve the tuned device 10 as shown in FIG. 1) and the SFPtuner device 20. The tuning device 100 can be provided by the vendor ofthe DWDM XFP Transceiver device 10′ to the user, and is provided toallow for the tuning (setting wavelength) of the DWDM opticaltransceiver 10′. This is done independent of the platform (switch,router, or other network equipment) in which the optical transceiverwill be deployed in service. A benefit of having the ability to tune and‘set’ or “lock’ channel comes from the limited number of network devicesthat support tuning ability, therefore decoupling the tunabletransceiver from other more costly devices.

The tuning appliance 100 is meant for use by service provider companies,and to be used by field technicians/engineers in staging andpre-deployment of fiber optic connectivity. There is no neededconnection to the ‘outside world’ via this example device 100.

FIG. 3B shows the ‘tuned’ example DWDM XFP transceiver 10 deployed bythe end-user into a commercially available switch, router, or othernetwork host device 1 that has been designed with XFP pluggable fiberoptic transceiver port(s). The transceiver's connection to the ‘outsideworld’ is the same as any standard optical transceiver—via fiber opticcabling 200 connected to LC connectors on the XFP. Hence, the hostdevice does not need to have any functionality associated with tuning orsetting of the DWDM channel: the benefit of the ‘tuning appliance’disclosed herein comes from the ability to deploy tuned DWDMtransceivers (among others) without the associated tuning software. Thisflexibility in platform option, coupled with reduced or eliminatedlead-time for the transceivers, adds operational benefit and capitalcost reduction to fiber deployments.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of an example printed circuit board (PCB) 300 forthe appliance that contains the interface cages 301, 302 into which thetunable SFP+ and XFP transceivers would be inserted. This design wouldalso enable the use of a PCB that contains the cages to easily bereplaced, should the cages exceed the recommended number of insertions.

An advantage of using the appliance is that the host device does notneed to have any functionality associated with tuning or setting of theDWDM channel: the benefit of using the ‘tuning appliance’ disclosedherein comes from the ability to deploy tuned DWDM transceivers withoututilizing the associated tuning software. This flexibility in platformoptions, coupled with reduced or eliminated lead-time for thetransceivers, adds operational benefit and capital cost reduction tofiber deployments.

A number of features in the appliance, the uTune director, are keydifferentiators from currently available devices, including:

-   -   The appliance is a stand-alone device which allows for the        tuning (setting) of a DWDM wavelength (channel) on a DWDM XFP        (and future SFP+ or SFP) (or CWDM XFP/SFP+ or DWDM/CWDM SFP)        optical transceiver;    -   The appliance does not require any external connectivity to any        other devices (PC, laptop, server) during the tuning process,        and thus can operate without such connectivity; This also means        that it does not rely on any independent operating system        (Window, MacOS, Linux, Unix), and thus can operate irrespective        of operating systems and avoid requiring licenses for those        operating systems.    -   The appliance does not require any communication connectivity to        any other host device(s), and thus can be operated avoiding any        such connectivity; Instead, a USB port (or other interface) is        available for factory usage (firmware updates, initial setup),        and the end user does not need to communicate with any other        equipment to perform the tuning process, and such connectivity        can be avoided.    -   Unlike other programmers, the appliance does not need any wired        or wireless internet connectivity for licensing and/or        programming purposes, and thus can avoid the use of such        connectivity;        -   The appliance maintains a history of license uses (tunes)            available via an embedded chipset which utilizes a            proprietary algorithm developed to track and decrement tunes            as used; Thus, it operates independent of a client-server            setup;    -   The ‘tuned’ transceiver has no dependencies on the uTune        director appliance once tuned; in contrast, other devices        operate by requiring the transceiver to remain in the tuning        device (sometimes a multi-purpose programmer and/or media        converter) in order to ‘hold’ the channel set (‘tune’);    -   The appliance can lock, unlock and relock the TXFP to different        channels/wavelengths;    -   The appliance supports XFP, SFP+, with plans to support other        future form factors—may want to use “various” optical        transceiver form factors or list XFP, SFP+, plus in the future        SFP, X2, QSFP+, CFP;    -   The appliance supports DWDM and, when available, CWDM tunable        optics; and    -   The appliance provides embedded licensing capability to allow        for future licensing/“tunes” of a specific optic in this        standalone device

Lock Bit Analysis

A typical tunable XFP module, as defined by SFF-8477 Rev 1.3specification, Section 5 (incorporated herein), behaves in the followingmanner:

-   -   When a tunable module is plugged in for the first time it will        go to a default channel, or if Tx_DIS is asserted it will go to        a standby condition.    -   When the module is power cycled it will automatically go to the        last channel selected, or if Tx_DIS is asserted it will go to a        standby condition. If Tx_DIS is asserted, the last channel        selected will be cleared, and a valid new channel command will        be required to set a channel.    -   If the Tx is disabled and then re-enabled, the module returns to        the last channel selected.

A typical tunable XFP flowchart diagram is shown in FIG. 5.

In contrast, a Lock bit can be used to override the normal behavior ofthe module. If the lock bit is set, the channel will not return to adefault channel on power up, regardless of the state of the Tx_DIS pin.

The lock bit is password protected. A password must be written to theappropriate memory location before the lock bit can be modified.

The non-volatile memory in the module EEPROM saves the last set channelby the external system (switch, router, tuning device). However, inorder to ensure that the device is not retuned or set back to default inthe removal from the system and/or system commands that would change thewavelength or channel, a specific command register is set via I2C thatchanges a bit from 0 to 1 which will lock the channel or wavelengthdesignation. The transceiver module is provided “unlocked”. The devicewill tune to the appropriate wavelength or channel and lock thewavelength or channel by using this register.

This bit prevents the channel from reverting to default on powerup/power cycling in certain circumstances (TX_DIS line asserted, forexample).

Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 5, a tunable XFP module isautomatically detected upon insertion in to the uTune Director.

When the user determines the appropriate channel selection, the userwill initiate the sequence to commit the channel selection to thetunable XFP module by using the appropriate selection on the userinterface. The user also can choose to lock the tunable XFP module aftertuning, or maintain the tunable XFP module in an unlocked state.

The uTune Director commits the channel selection to the tunable XFPmodule by completing the following steps of the flow chart of FIG. 5:

The TX_DISABLE signal line is ASSERTED. The uTune Director applies powerto the tunable XFP module. The device is now in a standby state.Depending on the lock-bit status, the uTune Director sends commands andparameters to the tunable XFP module to UNLOCK the tunable XFP module,permitting a new channel to be programmed. The uTune Director changesthe TX-DISABLE signal line from ASSERTED to DE-ASSERTED. The tunable XFPmodule is now awaiting the new channel selection. Via the I2Ccommunications port, a series of commands and parameters are sent to thetunable XFP module to select the new channel.

Once the tunable XFP module receives these commands and parameters, thechannel is committed to the tunable XFP module. The channel selection isstored in non-volatile memory contained inside the tunable XFP module.To confirm the tunable XFP module successfully committed the new channelselection, the uTune Director cycles power OFF and ON to the tunable XFPmodule, re-reads the currently selected channel, and compares thecurrently selected channel to the requested channel. If the currentlyselected channel and the requested channel are equal, the uTune Directorreports, via the uTune Director Display, the tuning process wassuccessful. If the currently selected channel and the requested channelare not equal, an error is generated by the uTune Director and an errornotification is displayed on the uTune Director display. If requestedduring the channel selection process by the user, the uTune Directorlocks the tunable XFP module. The tunable XFP module is powered down.

Device Operation:

The use of an example embodiment of the appliance by the operator totune an optical transceiver (module) is described. The appliance ispowered by either an external AC wall adapter, or battery pack. Noexternal connections to computers are required for operation, in aneffort to maximize usage and deployment locations.

In order to use, the operator turns on the device by pressing the powerbutton located on the front panel.

All controls and interfaces are located on the front panel of the devicehousing, allowing for rack or shelf mounting of the device if desired.

Upon powering up, the device will perform Internal diagnostics, such asconfirmation of software versions, self-tests, etc., to ensure properoperation. When the system is ready for use, the display will prompt theuser to “INSERT MODULE”.

A licensing feature has been included to support embodiments usingsoftware releases or use as a pay-per-use service if requested. Thedefault is unlimited (UNLM) licenses. The number of licenses availableis also displayed when the module insertion prompt appears.

Upon insertion of a module, the device will apply power to the module.The device will confirm this via the LCD display on the front of thedevice. The contents of the module EEPROM will be read via the I2C busand the device will report the module's currently set wavelength orchannel.

The operator is given the option to select a new channel to set (tune)the module. The operator will press the <S>(select) button on the frontof the module and use the up and down (directional arrow) buttons toselect the desired wavelength or channel. The buttons, if held down,will scroll more rapidly.

Once the operator has selected the desired wavelength or channel, theoperator presses the <T>(tune) button. The operator must confirm thisselection by pressing <T>(tune) again. If the operator wishes to cancelthe operation, they will press the <M>(menu) button. When the operatorhas confirmed the tuning operation, the device will display a series ofstatus messages as it performs the operation.

These operations can include, but are not limited to:

-   -   1) Application of power to the module to allow for EEPROM        reading and writing.    -   2) Unlocking of the module via the ‘lock’ bit of the EEPROM.        (see FIG. 5)    -   3) Tuning (setting) of the module wavelength or channel via the        I2C communication bus.    -   4) Verification of the proper setting and storage of the        wavelength or channel on the module EEPROM.

Once the appliance has completed these steps, it gives a final messagethat the module has been tuned and passed the verification. The operatorcan now remove the module from the device.

Many other example embodiments can be provided through variouscombinations of the above described features. Although the embodimentsdescribed hereinabove use specific examples and alternatives, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various additionalalternatives may be used and equivalents may be substituted for elementsand/or steps described herein, without necessarily deviating from theintended scope of the application. Modifications may be necessary toadapt the embodiments to a particular situation or to particular needswithout departing from the intended scope of the application. It isintended that the application not be limited to the particular exampleimplementations and example embodiments described herein, but that theclaims be given their broadest reasonable interpretation to cover allnovel and non-obvious embodiments, literal or equivalent, disclosed ornot, covered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for tuning a pluggable transceiverdevice comprising: a power supply; a controller; a user interfaceconnected to said controller that accepts user inputs; a displayconnected to said controller that displays tuning information to theuser; and a transceiver interface that receives the transceiver device,wherein said controller tunes the optical transceiver device received bysaid interface according to said user inputs, such that said transceiveruses said tune when removed from said apparatus and inserted into aseparate host device for using the optical transceiver device.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus does not operate as a hostdevice for using said optical transceiver.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said apparatus does not communicate with any external devicewhen tuning said optical transceiver.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said transceiver retains said tune when inserted into the hostdevice by locking the transceiver to prevent the host from retuning thetransceiver.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said transceiverdevice is a DWDM optical transceiver.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said transceiver device is a CWDM optical transceiver.
 7. Amethod of tuning a pluggable transceiver device using the apparatus ofclaim 1, said method comprising the steps of: inserting the transceiverdevice into the apparatus using the transceiver interface; acceptinguser inputs to the user interface for tuning the transceiver device;displaying information about the tuning on the display; tuning thetransceiver device according to the user inputs resulting in a tunedtransceiver device; removing the tuned transceiver device from theapparatus; inserting the tuned transceiver in a host device; andoperating the host device using the tuned transceiver.
 8. An apparatusfor tuning a pluggable transceiver device comprising: a power supply; acontroller; a user interface connected to said controller that acceptsuser inputs; a display connected to said controller that displays tuninginformation to the user; and a transceiver interface that receives thetransceiver device, wherein said controller tunes the opticaltransceiver device received by said interface according to said userinputs, such that said transceiver uses said tune when removed from saidapparatus and inserted into a separate host device for using the opticaltransceiver device and such that said transceiver retains said tune wheninserted into the host device by locking the transceiver to prevent thehost from retuning the transceiver.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, whereinsaid apparatus does not operate as a host device for using said opticaltransceiver.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said apparatus doesnot communicate with any external device when tuning said opticaltransceiver.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said transceiverdevice is a DWDM optical transceiver.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein said transceiver device is a CWDM optical transceiver.
 13. Anapparatus for tuning a pluggable transceiver device comprising: a powersupply; a controller; a user interface connected to said controller thataccepts user inputs; a display connected to said controller thatdisplays tuning information to the user; and a transceiver interfacethat receives the transceiver device, wherein said controller tunes theoptical transceiver device received by said interface according to saiduser inputs, such that said transceiver uses said tune when removed fromsaid apparatus and inserted into a separate host device for using theoptical transceiver device and such that said transceiver retains saidtune when inserted into the host device by locking the transceiver toprevent the host from retuning the transceiver, and wherein saidapparatus does not operate as a host device for using said opticaltransceiver, and further wherein said apparatus does not communicatewith any external device when tuning said optical transceiver.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein said transceiver device is a DWDM opticaltransceiver or a CWDM optical transceiver.
 15. A method for tuning apluggable transceiver device using a tuning apparatus, said methodcomprising the steps of: inserting the transceiver device into thetuning apparatus; accepting user inputs to the tuning apparatus fortuning the transceiver device; tuning the transceiver device accordingto the user inputs resulting in a tuned transceiver device; removing thetuned transceiver device from the apparatus; inserting the tunedtransceiver into a host device; and operating the host device using thetuned transceiver.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the tuningapparatus does not communicate with any external device when tuning theoptical transceiver.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the tuningapparatus does not operate as a host device for using the opticaltransceiver.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the transceiverretains said tune when inserted into the host device by including theadditional step of locking the transceiver to prevent the host fromretuning the transceiver.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein thetransceiver device is a DWDM optical transceiver or a CWDM opticaltransceiver.
 20. A method for tuning a pluggable transceiver deviceusing a tuning apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: insertingthe transceiver device into the tuning apparatus; accepting user inputsto the tuning apparatus for tuning the transceiver device; tuning thetransceiver device according to the user inputs resulting in a tunedtransceiver device without the tuning apparatus communicating with anyexternal devices; locking the transceiver to prevent a device using thetuned transceiver from retuning the transceiver; removing the tunedtransceiver device from the apparatus.
 21. The method of claim 20,further comprising the steps of: inserting the tuned transceiver into ahost device; and operating the host device using the tuned transceiver.